Ke Ala Hele Makālae nominated for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy HOF
Published on July 11, 2024
KAPA‘A – The Department of Parks and Recreation announces that Ke Ala Hele Makālae, “The Path that Goes by the Coast," has been nominated for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame on Wednesday, July 10. This recognition highlights the trail's exceptional contribution to community health, connectivity, and environmental preservation.
“Mahalo nui loa to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy for nominating Ke Ala Hele Makālae to its Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame this year,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We are so proud of our team with the Department of Parks and Recreation and our partners with Kauai Path and our Eastside community for continuing to maintain and promote this wonderful path for our residents and visitors.”
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame recognizes exemplary rail-trails around the nation for their outstanding contributions to their communities and regions. Trails inducted into the Hall of Fame are celebrated for their scenic value, public benefit, and historical significance.
The voting period runs from July 26 to Aug. 4. Voting is unlimited; supporters are encouraged to vote as often as possible before the deadline.
Updates will be provided when the voting period begins.
For more information about Ke Ala Hele Makālae and its nomination, please visit https://www.railstotrails.org/hall-of-fame/.
“Building on a shared vision dating back to the 1990s, Ke Ala Hele Makālae is a work-in-progress envisioned to link communities along Kauai’s east side from Niumalu to Anahola,” said Tommy Noyes, Kauai Path’s executive director. “The accomplishments achieved to date building this ambitious path system have inspired comparable active-transportation infrastructure improvements to serve other sectors around Kaua‘i.”
Ke Ala Hele Makālae spans 8 miles, providing a paved, scenic route ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and skating, stretching from Lydgate Beach Park to Kuna Bay.
The vision for Ke Ala Hele Makālae was to create a safe and picturesque route that ensures public access to the coast, connects coastal communities, and promotes healthy living. The trail was designed to improve public health, support local tourism, stimulate businesses, and protect the coastal environment, creating an accessible corridor for physical activity and social interaction for generations to come.
Bradley Pratt / County of Kaua‘i: Ke Ala Hele Makālae spans 8 miles, providing a paved, scenic route ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and skating. Stretching from Lydgate Beach Park to Kuna Bay.
Photo courtesy of Kauai Path: The trail was designed to improve public health, support local tourism, stimulate businesses, and protect the coastal environment, creating an accessible corridor for physical activity and social interaction for generations to come.
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